Well, after my sad DNF last weekend, I took 4 solid days off. No exercise, no bike commuting, no running, no yoga. My body always feels worse during prolonged rest, but every so often, you have to do it! All these random aches and pains show up from inactivity.

I finally got back on the bike yesterday, just in time for our multi-day rainstorm here in the Front Range. It’s a misconception that your legs will feel great after rest. In fact, they usually feel horrible and it takes a few days to get the train moving again. Yesterday was my inaugural ride up in Nederland (I love riding the West Mag/Eldora trails) and it definitely felt like I had a few days off. It was so beautiful. The forest smelled so fresh with the rain that I didn’t even care that my legs felt powerless. I tried not to roam too far in the back country because I forgot my rain jacket, and there was light rain for my whole ride. It was one of those days where it all worked out! The trail was tacky but not muddy and I was in love with the singletrack. I even found some trails I have only ridden once.

It was amazingly green up there. The contrast from brown to bright green made everything seem mystical.

The downpour started about 10 minutes out from the car. I can’t go mountain biking and not get dirty. C’mon! It was invigorating and I was laughing out loud alone in the rain by the time I got back to the car.

I’m still battling with my blisters. Thursday was the first day I could walk kind of normal and not look like I was trying to do the funky chicken. I still can’t run or go to yoga, and the pounding on a mountain bike definitely is uncomfortable, but time will heal the wounds on my arches and I’ll soon forget.

YUMMY. haha. Sorry… I know this is really gross.

Now you’re probably thinking this:

The fenders are strapped on my road bike. Time to go play in the rain again and make attempt number 2 to get my legs moving… I wish the trails were rideable so I could go play in the mud!